Sales & Marketing

The American Red Cross has enhanced its ability to respond to disasters with support from Dell to open a new digital operations center in north Texas.

The Red Cross embraced social media in a big way in 2012 when it became apparent that Twitter, Facebook and other digital communication methods were the first place people turn when disasters strike. The relief organization opened the Red Cross Digital Operations Center roughly two years ago in Washington, D.C. with support from Dell and now the two are working together to open the north Texas location.

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. — Mid-America Real Estate Corp. recently signed Wes Koontz, CCIM, as director of net lease investment sales. He will work in tandem with Kevin Conway, also director of net lease investment sales.

When the winning team cuts down the net after Monday night at the NCAA Men’s Championship game they will do so from atop a customer built nine foot Werner brand step ladder.

Brea, Calif. — Simon Property Group and Brea Mall are celebrating putting the finishing touches on the renovation of the property with a special community event and a series of showcase weekends throughout April and May.

The renovation included redesigned mall entrances and new signage, flooring, landscaping, glass handrails and overhead lighting. The mall now displays updated textures, colors and amenities such as soft seating and charging stations.

Atlanta -- Footwear retailer Shoe Carnival on April 6 will launch its first integrated national advertising campaign in support of the spring season. The campaign accompanies the brand’s U.S. expansion and debuts a new tagline, "A surprise in store."

Merrimack, N.H. -- Specialty retailer Brookstone Holdings Corp. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, with a plan to sell itself to Spencer Spirit Holdings, owner of the Spencer’s retail chain, for about $147 million. The purchase price comprises $120 million in cash, $7.5 million in new notes and about $18.5 million of assumed liabilities.

Under the agreement with Spencer Spirit, Brookstone would continue to operate its stores in malls and airports, along with its catalog, website and wholesale business, under the Brookstone brand.

Sylmar, Calif. – A new Vallarta Supermarkets store opens in Hesperia, Calif., on April 9. The 42,000-sq.-ft. location will offer specialty departments including a bakery, full-service meat counter, fresh produce, a hot food deli (Taqueria) with in-store dining, a shuttle service and a customer service department that offers check cashing, money transfers and utility bill payments.

Columbus, Ohio - Lane Bryant opens a new store in Davenport, Iowa, on April 4. The store is located in Elmore Marketplace.

From April 4-6, those who visit Elmore Marketplace's new Lane Bryant location will have the chance to win one of (25) $25 Lane Bryant gift cards each day. Lane Bryant operates 775 stores across the U.S.